Jerome Harrison has brain tumor

Jeff McLane and Zach Berman

Eagles doctors found a brain tumor when they examined running back Jerome Harrison after his trade from the Detroit Lions to Philadelphia, The Inquirer has confirmed.

ESPN, which first reported the diagnosis, also reported that Harrison's outlook for his health and playing career are both good.

The Eagles traded Ronnie Brown for Harrison and a seventh round draft pick in 2013, but the deal was voided Wednesday when Harrison failed his physical. The Eagles did not disclose why Harrison failed and would not comment on the report today, citing both privacy concerns and the fact that Harrison is once again a member of the Lions. Harrison, 28, was not on the field for Lions practice Thursday, and head coach Jim Schwartz would not comment on the player's health, according to reports out of Detroit. His agent did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on Twitter that had it not been for the trade and physical, doctors might still be unaware of the tumor. "Trade might have saved his life," Schefter wrote.